Meghalaya

In a major development, the Meghalaya government has officially excluded Lumpongdeng Island from the proposed Umiam Luxury Resort and Spa project, following sustained protests and environmental concerns raised by the Green-Tech Foundation and local stakeholders. The decision prompted the Green-Tech Foundation to call off its 12-day indefinite hunger strike at Malki Ground on Monday evening. The protest, which began on April 9, was organized against the inclusion of the ecologically sensitive Lumpongdeng Island in the tourism project. Foundation secretary general Ritre Lyngdoh announced the withdrawal after receiving an official communication from the Tourism Department. A letter issued by Joint Secretary C.S. Khongwir clearly stated that the 36-acre island would not be part of the proj...

BJP is set to emerge as a significantly stronger force in Meghalaya ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, said BJP national secretary in-charge for Meghalaya, Anil K Antony on Monday. Addressing a media conference, Antony cited the party’s growing presence in the Northeast, noting that while the BJP had no governing presence in the region seven years ago, today seven out of the eight Northeastern states are governed by the NDA. “BJP is the largest party in four states Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura. In other states, our organizational base is expanding steadily,” he said. Antony further said the party’s long-term objective is to become the leading political force in Meghalaya by strengthening its grassroots structure and connecting with voters on key issues. Regardi...

A team of researchers from different institutions has discovered a new snake species, named 'Calamaria garoensis' (Garo Hills reed snake), in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. The description of the species has been published in 'Taprobanica', an international peer-reviewed journal. Taking note of the discovery, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has congratulated the researchers for this feat. "Heartiest congratulations to the team of researchers on the discovery of a new snake species, Calamaria garoensis, found in the Garo Hills. This remarkable discovery highlights the rich and unique biodiversity of our State and the immense value of our forests," the Chief Minister said. "I commend the dedicated efforts of the researchers from Help Earth, Cotton University, Assam Don Bosco ...

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, organised an Input Distribution Programme for farmers and community institutions in Tura.Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma attended the programme as chief guest.The programme focused on the convergence of key agricultural and horticultural schemes to enhance productivity, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen farmer livelihoods.Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving farmers’ income through targeted interventions, value addition, and sustainable agricultural practices.Sangma stated that agriculture continues to be the backbone of the State’s economy, with over 70 percent of households engaged in farming and allie...

Mission Director of the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM), Francis Kharshiing, on Monday stated that the initiative has significantly reduced the impact of drug abuse in Meghalaya through its multi-pronged strategy.Describing DREAM as a “unique and game-changing” initiative to tackle the drug menace, Kharshiing said the Mission has identified several drug-prone hotspots across the state, particularly in urban areas.He noted that the Cantonment area has been flagged as one of the affected zones, adding that inspections and necessary countermeasures have already been carried out in the area.In order to further curb drug trafficking, Kharshiing informed that there are plans to install vehicle scanners at key entry points into the state to detect and prevent smuggling att...

Bonifilia Shullai (pictured back row far right) and Alisha Lyngdoh both got some valuable experience as they travelled with the India U-17 women’s national football team for three friendlies against Russia in Sochi recently. The Young Tigresses, coached by Pamela Conti, used the three-match series as part of their preparations for next month’s AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026. India lost all three games – 4-0 in the opener, 3-0 in the second and 3-0 in the third. Midfielder Bonifilia was used in the first match on 11th April. Boni captained the side for the first 70 minutes before she was benched. Defender Alisha appeared in the second fixture on 14th April as a 62nd minute substitute, while Bonifilia came on in the 82nd minute. Neither Meghalayan was utilised in the third match on 1...

Northeast India’s border regions are bracing for a potential public health challenge as authorities in Meghalaya and Mizoram heighten surveillance against a spreading measles outbreak in neighboring Bangladesh. With reports indicating over 100 deaths—predominantly among children—and thousands of suspected infections across the border, health officials are moving swiftly to implement robust response mechanisms to prevent any cross-border transmission. In Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills, a high-level meeting held on April 17 at the Amlarem Sub-Divisional Office established a coordinated strategy involving health authorities, district administration, and security forces. The session focused on strengthening early detection systems in vulnerable border pockets. Dr. A. Khonglah, SDM&HO o...

Development projects in Meghalaya under central schemes are moving ahead, but not at the same pace everywhere. A latest monthly report of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) shows a mixed picture, with some projects completed while many others are yet to begin. According to the report, the state currently has 83 ongoing projects. Out of these, 41 are under the North Eastern Council (NEC), which forms the largest share. Another 30 projects fall under the NESIDS (OTRI) scheme, while a few others are linked to road development and PM-DevINE programmes. These projects cover important areas like education, water supply, livelihood support and basic infrastructure. The report shows that work is not evenly spread across the state. East Khasi Hills district alone has...

The Meghalaya High Court has set aside a POCSO case registered in West Khasi Hills, taking into account the social background of the relationship and the present condition of the woman and her children. The case goes back to 2021, when an FIR was filed at Mawshynrut Police Station under Sections 5 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The case was registered after a teenage pregnancy was reported. At that time, the girl was around 16 years old, while the man was about 25 to 26 years old. Later, both the man and the woman approached the High Court together, seeking to quash the case. They informed the court that they are now living together as a family and have two children. A report placed before the court by the High Court Legal Services Committee...

The Voice of the People Party (VPP) chairman Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Saturday blazoned the party's decision to launch a massive public agitation against the National People's Party (NPP)- led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, on April 22 at Motphran. The kick is against apathy, bias, and casualness for the indigenous community. by the government. We've several issues to place before the people. These include the style and functioning of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission and District Selection panels in the reclamation process, the problems faced by preceptors, environmental enterprises, and the government's adamant stage on tourism systems on Lumpongdeng Island, among others," Basaiawmoit said in a videotape statem